Offices are no longer the stuffy, formal places they used to be. In today’s workplace, offices are becoming more and more creative. And why wouldn’t they be? After all, studies have shown that a better office environment can lead to happier and more productive employees. So if you’re looking for ways to make your office a more enjoyable place to work, here are some ideas to get you started.
1. Have Experiential Workspaces
Experiential workspaces are becoming more and more popular in today’s workplace. These are areas where employees can step away from their desks and experience their work differently. Various trends in office design fall under the experiential workspace umbrella, such as biophilic design, activity-based working, and Agile working. One of the benefits of experiential workspaces is that they can help to boost creativity and productivity. They also promote collaboration and communication among employees.
If you’re looking for ways to make your office more innovative and enjoyable, investing in an experiential workspace is great.
2. Create Breakout Spaces
One of the most popular office space ideas is to create breakout spaces. Breakout spaces are areas where employees can take a break from their work and relax for a few minutes. These areas can be anything from a small lounge area to an outdoor patio. The important thing is that they provide employees with a place to unwind and recharge. Breakout spaces make it easy for pairs and small groups to peel off from the main work area and collaborate. They’re usually located close to the main work area, making it easy for employees to pop in and out.
3. Invest in Comfortable Furniture
Investing in comfortable furniture is another great way to make your office more enjoyable. After all, no one wants to spend their day sitting in an uncomfortable chair. When choosing furniture for your office, consider both style and comfort. And don’t forget about ergonomics. If you’re not familiar with the term, ergonomics is the study of how people interact with their environment. Ergonomic designs are meant to reduce strain and fatigue in office furniture.
4. Bring in Some Plants
Adding some plants to your office is a great way to liven things up. Plants add a touch of color and life to an otherwise mundane space, but they can also improve air quality. Studies have shown that office plants can help reduce stress and increase productivity. Plants are also relatively easy to care for, so you won’t worry about taking up too much of your time. Just choose low-maintenance plants that require little sunlight, such as succulents or air plants.
5. Add Some Art
Hanging some art on the walls is another simple way to make your office more enjoyable. It will add a splash of color and personality to the space, but it can also help inspire creativity and productivity. If you’re unsure where to start, try looking for art from local artists or students. This will support the local community, but it can also help you save money. When choosing art for your office, try to select pieces that reflect your company’s values or represent your industry.
For example, if you’re in the tech industry, you could hang prints of circuit boards or binary code. Or, if you’re in the creative field, you could display colorful abstract paintings.
6. Let in Some Natural Light
Natural light is great for both your physical and mental health. That’s why it’s essential to make sure your office space gets plenty of it. If possible, try to set up your workstation near a window so you can take advantage of the sunlight. After all, studies have shown that exposure to natural light can improve mood, increase productivity, and even reduce stress levels. If your office doesn’t get a lot of natural light, consider investing in some full-spectrum light bulbs. These bulbs emit a light similar to sunlight, which can help improve your mood and energy levels.
7. Encourage Employee Feedback
Finally, one of the best things you can do to create a better office environment is to encourage employee feedback. After all, your employees are the ones who spend the most time in the office, so they’re in the best position to know what changes would make the biggest impact. There are various ways you can collect feedback from your employees.
For example, you could hold regular meetings where employees can share their ideas or send out surveys regularly. You could also encourage employees to approach you directly with their suggestions.
No matter what changes you decide to make, the important thing is that you create an office environment that your employees will enjoy. By following these office space ideas, you’ll be well on your way to creating a happy and productive workplace.